Inca Trail Shut Down Thru March

A few weeks back there was a story about how 1300 tourists were trapped at Machu Picchu following massive flooding in the area that destroyed the railway into the ancient mountain top fortress. At the time, we were told that more than 40 landslides covering the tracks and that it was damaged in multiple locations, which was preventing the famous tourist train from reaching those trapped on site.

Yesterday, I wrote an update on the situation for Gadling.com with news that the train is set to resume operation within the next three weeks, which is ahead of the eight weeks that were originally projected. Meanwhile, an alternate back route is being opened allowing travelers to visit Machu Picchu, although it requires a five hour car ride to get to the area.

Of course, many of us would prefer to make the hike to the monument via the famous Inca Trail, a four day trek through the Andes that culminates with a sunrise march into Machu Picchu. Traditionally, the trail is closed in February for repairs and maintenance, which means the current closure of the train is not effecting anyone who is currently out on that ancient road. But now we have word, via Detour Destinations Travel Blog, that the closure of the trail will extend through March thanks to the flooding in the area. The Instituto Nacional de Cultura, the agency in charge of the trail, is refunding all trail permits, and encouraging those planning on making the hike to seek alternative trekking options within the country.

This has to be really depressing news for anyone who had been planning on going to Peru to hike the Inca Trail next month. By most accounts, it is an amazing experience, and well worth the hike. I just hope that everyone who had plans will find alternatives that live up to their expectations.

Inca Trail Alternatives

The Guardian is reporting today that the Inca Trail is sold out into September, and that the iconic South American hike will not be open to reservations until after that time. The Peruvian Government has instituted some new restrictions on the Trail in order to protect it and the environments through which it runs. In recent years the trail has continued to grow in popularity, and at times has become quite crowded, prompting the action.

Fear not though, as there are some excellent alternative hikes in the Andes that allow you to capture the same spirit of the Inca Trail, albeit with fewer crowds. The article recommends some of these lesser known trails and offers up advice on guide services for the alternative routes as well.

For example, they suggest the Salkantay Trail, which is best known as the "Back Door to Machu Picchu" as it ends at the same lost city as the Inca Trail. The Salkantay weaves it's way in and out of high passes and jungle valleys over the course of its 4 day journey. This trail is the most likely to get crowded next though, as it's the main alternative to the Inca.

Lesser known Andes treks are also provided, such as the Choquequirao, which is a longer trek matching scenery with cultural immersion, or the Cordillera Huayhuash which is located near the city of Huaraz and offers solitude and breath taking scenery as you march one of two routes near the Cordillera Blanca range.

Peru is considered one of the adventure capitals of South America, with it's proximity to the Andes and ancient ruins. Definitely a place worth exploring for a combination of trekking and culture. However, if you have your heart set on the Inca Trail, it sounds like you had better book it further ahead, or plan on going during the off season.

YouTube Video: Hiking The Inca Trail

While checking out the Friday Matinee today over at OutdoorsMagic.com I came across this cool video of a couple hiking the Inca Trail in Peru. The video does a great job of showing what the conditions on the trail are like, and it doesn't hurt that the couple in question have great senses of humor and are fun to listen to.

Today's Friday Matinee has a Peruvian theme to it, as the other videos are also set in that country. There are a couple of nice mountaineering vids centered around the Cordillera Blanca area, with some really great footage. Definitely worth checking out.